How To: Dealing With A Bridezilla

You see them on tv, you've heard their screams, you've witnessed their destruction, we're talking Bridezillas. They make for great entertainment, but dealing with them in person is far from exciting. If a bride gets out of control and goes all Godzilla on the wedding, it can destroy all the hard work planners and vendors go through to create wedding bliss. The best way to learn to tame a bridezilla is practice and a few "Keeping Your Cool" tips from "Bride gone mad? How to deal with a bridezilla":

1. Stay Calm
First things first; if the bride is freaking out, you need to stay calm. You might be feeling frustrated by her behavior (or even ready to call it quits on the whole affair), but the best way to handle a bride who has turned into a monster is to avoid succumbing to anxiety yourself. Take breaks from the planning, remember that it's OK to say no some of the time (to the particularly outrageous requests) and most importantly, breathe.

2. Nod and Smile
Dealing with a bridezilla can be tough, especially when they don't get what they want or feel like things aren't going their way (kind of like a toddler having a temper tantrum). Rather than getting caught up in the drama (over something silly like tea lights or place cards), just nod and smile. Be passively supportive without getting swept up on whatever has her in a panic. Telling her she's crazy isn't an option, nor is freaking out alongside her. A simple pat on the back and a mumbled, "oh yes, I totally agree," should do the trick.

3. Vent to those NOT involved
The last thing you want is to cause a rift among the wedding party by gossiping behind the bride's back. Rather than risk something you've said getting back to her (when she's in a bad mood), keep your thoughts to yourself while you're with the bride and her brood. Instead, vent to friends and family not associated with the event.

4. Find a balance
While you did agree to plan and create an amazing wedding event, you didn't sign up to be anyone's full-time assistant or be at their beck and call 24/7. The key is to find a balance between saying yes and sidestepping ridiculous request. If there are things you simply can't (or don't want) to do, find a gentle way to tell her.

5. Remember it's temporary
During the wedding the bride may be in full blown monster mode, but it is just one day then she will go back to her old self. Take solace in the fact that this is all temporary and in the end, for a good cause. You want her wedding day to be perfect so the months of dealing with a bridezilla will all be worth it in the end.

As a wedding planner or vendor you will deal with the dreaded Bridezilla more than you want to, but these simple tips can help you become the passive-aggressive master to tame the unruly bride.